Cops file raps vs 6 for landmine blast

POLICE on Monday filed charges before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the six men accused for the landmine explosion at New Bataan in Compostela Valley Province on Saturday.

Killed on the incident was one Lieutenant Rodel Daguio, while wounded were Private First Class (Pfc.) Richie Ursal of the 4th Scout Ranger Company (SRC), Staff Sergeant Arnold Pacino, and Corporal Jaime Clara of the 1001st Infantry Brigade.

Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, identified the suspects as Herald Baugto, Junvin Fernandez, Mody Linda-an, Danilo Maunda, Arnesto Bagbag, and Darwin Montella.

Paniza said the suspects are now facing charges for violation of Presidential Decree (PD) 1866, otherwise known as the Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunitions, or Explosive Device.

Paniza said the suspects were arrested around 8 a.m. on a regular checkpoint at Purok 1 in Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Compostela Valley, by the 66th Infantry Battalion personnel.

Recovered from the suspects were two kilos of ammonium phosphate, 12 blasting caps, and 84 feet red tie fuse detonating cord.

At present, the suspects are detained at the New Bataan Police Station. (ICT)